VS
At a Glance
Power
180kW@5000
148 kW
Torque
350Nm@1250
310 Nm
Fuel
7
7.5 l/100km
Towing
2000
1800 Kg
0-100 km/h
7
8.5 s
Engine
1997
1998 cc
Choosing between the BMW X1 and the BMW X3 is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The BMW X1 delivers 180kW@5000 while the BMW X3 produces 148 kW. On fuel, the X1 returns 7 while the X3 uses 7.5 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R533 425 for the X1 and R1 114 760 for the X3. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
180kW@5000
148 kW
Torque
350Nm@1250
310 Nm
0-100 kph
7
8.5 s
Top Speed
240
218 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1997
1998 cc
Engine Layout
LONGITUDINAL INLINE 4
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
UNLEADED
petrol
Forced Induction Device
—
turbocharger
Transmission
AUTOMATIC
automatic
Number of Gears
8
8
Drive Wheels
ALL
rear
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Low Range
✗
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7
7.5 l/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
9
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
6
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
63
65 l
CO2 Emissions
183
171 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4477
4755 mm
Width
1798
1920-2132 mm
Height
1545
1660 mm
Wheelbase
2760
2865 mm
Ground Clearance
179
—
Kerb Weight
1670
1805 DIN / 1880 EU Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
—
570-1700 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2000
1800 Kg
Load Capacity
1350
645 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
—
✓ Standard
Stability Control
DSC
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
7
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
Optional
Adaptive Cruise Control
✗
Optional
Bluetooth
Optional
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
Optional
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
—
Optional
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
Optional
✓ Standard
Sunroof
Optional
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
Optional
Optional
Electric Seat Adjustment
Optional
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
—
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
24
2
Warranty Distance
—
unlimited Km
Service Plan
M
—
Service Intervals
30000
service interval indicator / 20000 km
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
BMW X1
3 / 4 categories
Performance
X3
Fuel Economy
X1
Value
X1
Practicality
X1
Pros & Cons
BMW X1
Better fuel economy (7)
Lower starting price (R533 425)
Higher towing capacity (2000)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (7s)
Few notable weaknesses
BMW X3
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (7.5 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the X1 or X3?
The X1 uses 7 and the X3 uses 7.5 l/100km on the combined cycle. The X1 is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the X1 or X3?
The X1 produces 180kW@5000 and 350Nm@1250 of torque while the X3 delivers 148 kW and 310 Nm of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the X1 and X3?
The X1 starts from R533 425 and the X3 from R1 114 760. The X1 is cheaper by R581 335 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the X1 or X3?
The X1 has a braked towing capacity of 2000 and the X3 can tow 1800 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the X1 or the X3?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.